Stevens Bikes (German bicycle manufacturer) and The Cyclery (Ottawa South bicycle shop) are proud to announce its list of confirmed riders for the 2009 women's elite racing team www.stevensracingcanada.com

Racing under the name Stevens Racing presented by The Cyclery, returning riders include Julia Bradley (Toronto), Sophie Matte (Chelsea), 2008 National Road Race fifth place finisher Sue Schlatter (Ottawa) and Tricia K. Spooner (Ottawa). New to the six-woman team for 2009 are Naomi Cermak (Hamilton) and Ireen Wieditz (Toronto), both formerly of Terry Precision racing.

While dedicating themselves to the sport of cycling, these women balance family life and professional responsibilities in such diverse areas as law, audiology, marketing, doctoral studies, TV broadcasting and environmental engineering.

Following on the success of the team in 2008, Stevens Bikes ( www.stevensbikes.de ) has confirmed its support as a title sponsor and the team's official bicycle supplier. The Cyclery ( www.thecyclery.ca ) has confirmed its co-title sponsorship of the team and will provide team support, bicycle maintenance and repairs, as well as general guidance and management.

Stevens Bikes, one of the leading bicycle manufacturers in Europe, is starting to gain ground in the North American market. The launch of this Team is one key step in ensuring greater visibility and exposure for the Stevens lines of road, cross, leisure and mountain bikes.

Stevens Racing presented by The Cyclery is one of only a handful of Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) registered women's trade teams for the 2009 season. The team was registered under the name EMD Serono Stevens in 2008.

Look for the team to participate in several key local, provincial and national events throughout the 2009 season.Additional information and the launch of the new team website will be announced in the coming weeks.